Waterside camping near Palmetto

Palmetto’s hot summers and warm winters host campers among wild mangrove forests and Gulf waters.

98% (1272 reviews)

United States
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Florida
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Palmetto

98% (1272 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Palmetto

2 top waterside campgrounds near Palmetto

98%

(571)

By the Pond...

12 sites · RVs, Tents33 acres · Ruskin, FL

Stay by a lovely pond on 33 acre fruit and ornamental tree nursery property with great vibes. Located near I-75 just 20 miles South of Tampa, 35 miles east of Saint Petersburg, 35 miles North of Sarasota, 2 hours West of Orlando. This property is home to a farm/nursery operation and has a large pond on the west side. Approximately 33 private acres allows for space and social distancing. Site is loaded with hundreds of fruit trees Lychee, Mango, Starfruit, Papaya, Guava), and thousands of banana plants. Fishing can be great, wildlife and bird watching too. Fenced and gated for safety, this old historic nursery property has good vibes and plenty to offer. Until you see it - you really may not understand. Part s of property are wide open, other areas are rugged and difficult to walk through including some wetland areas. The nursery has plenty of trees, & some fields - large pond is surrounded by cattails and marsh/wetlands and has fish (Bass, Tilapia, Sunfish, Catfish). Several species of wildlife have been seen on the property. We think the property is lovely, and definitely want you to enjoy your camping experience!

98%

(82)

Honey Bunny’s Urban Oasis

3 sites · RVs1 acre · St Petersburg, FL

Send Van Type and Length with Request to Book 🐝 👀check out our EXTRAS👀 🐝 Elderberry Tonic/Tropic Spice Hot Sauce/Shoo Fly! Bug Spray 🦩WE ONLY HOST VANS/CLASS B vehicles/very small travel trailers🦩 If you need to book for longer VanLife stays just message me 🌈 Everyone Welcome 🌈 As a family who has towed campers across the US a couple times utilizing Hip Camp we know others will appreciate the ease of pulling into our little 1 acre urban oasis just a couple miles off the interstate in Floridas Coolest City. It’s an ideal location to explore St Pete as we are right between the beaches and downtown (5 miles to St Pete beach, 4 miles to downtown -$10 Uber ride), Sarasota and/or Tampa. Ours is an urban spot based on ease, safety and location, not a wilderness "experience" We have a paved circular driveway overlooking our beehives, henhouse and seasonal garden where you’ll find a table with chairs and plenty of space to cookout and enjoy a quiet evening with a great sunset by the blowing bamboo. This is one of South St Pete’s oldest neighborhoods- it surrounds an active former PGA golf course and lively country club. It’s a great place for safely biking or walking with green spaces, tennis courts, playgrounds and dog parks nearby. There are many owls, raptors, green parrots, purple martins and osprey overhead as we’re just a few blocks from the beautiful Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. - not to be missed! The Pinellas Trail is just a short bike ride away too and can lead you to downtown. It is a cyclists favorite! We love our city - happy to give recommendations.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

100%

(2)

Lake Manatee State Park

The Meadows, Florida

Waterside camping near Palmetto guide

Overview

Camping around Palmetto places campers close to the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the mangrove forests that dip over lakes and estuaries on the Cocohatchee River. Many state parks dot the area, like Terra Ceia Preserve State Park, Lake Manatee State Park, and Delnor-Wiggins Pass, where campers can hike, fish, snorkel, paddle, and spot local wildlife. Hot and humid summers are perfect for swimming and boating, while cooler spring and winter seasons make a comfortable climate for hiking and mountain biking. No matter when you arrive, nearby campsites feature modern amenities like wifi and hot showers.

Where to go

Terra Ceia Preserve State Park

Just 12 minutes north of Palmetto, sandwiched between Terra Ceia Bay and Tampa Bay, Terra Ceia Preserve State Park is a sanctuary for wildlife. Campers who love to birdwatch wil find blue herons, white ibis, bald eagles, and spoonbills. The park offers nine miles of hiking trails and year-round fishing (with a license) in Terra Ceia Bay. Magical and mysterious mangrove forests hang over creeks and streams, perfect for paddling through natural tunnels created by their drooping branches and rising roots. Bishop Harbor Road and Stotz Road feature boat, canoe, and kayak launches. There’s no camping within the park, but private campsites nearby have tent and RV campsites with hookups and potable water.

Lake Manatee State Park

Though there are no manatees in Lake Manatee, there’s still plenty of camping fun to be had at Lake Manatee State Park. Stay at tent and RV (up to 65 feet) campsites right in the park within walking distance to the beach where pets are welcome to join for sunbathing, swimming, and fishing from land. Campsites with water and electric hookups, a dump station, firepits, and picnic tables can be reserved online up to 11 months in advance. Bike along 2.5 miles of paved biking road, or take it off-road for a mountain biking challenge with bikes available to rent in the park. (Cyclists under 16 need to wear helmets.)

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park’s claim to fame is a wealth of boating opportunities through Cocohatchee River estuaries leading directly to the Gulf. Explore Turkey Bay by kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, or search for shells on the ADA-accessible beaches with reservable wheelchairs. Or scuba dive and snorkel along Delnor-Wiggins Pass’ hard-bottom reef. Nearby campsites range from RV campsites with 50-amp hookups and wifi to primitive campsites.

When to go

October to March is generally considered camping season in Florida, when dense, muggy air cools in the evening for a more comfortable climate. Summers in Palmetto have an average daily temp above 86°F with hot and mostly cloudy skies. Short winters (from December to February) are cool and windy, rarely rising above 74°F. Florida camping is available year-round, and the ideal time depends on your preferences.